Friday, March 18, 2011

US Hands Off Libya!

Following a UN Security Council vote on the evening of March 17, an attack on Libya is imminent. The United States, Britain and France are expected to begin air strikes in a matter of days or even hours. All people of conscience should stand firmly against this act of war.

Just as in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, this war will be waged under the pretense of humanitarian intervention. But just as in Iraq and Afghanistan, military intervention by the U.S. and its allies will be done for the benefit of the rich and powerful at the expense of working and oppressed people both here and in Libya. Countless civilians will die as a result of these attacks and countless dollars will be taken from over-stretched budgets and social programs to fund a new war. The lessons of history are clear in showing us that the outcome of the war, if the U.S., Britain and France have their way, will be in favor of the interests of the rich, not in favor of democracy and self-determination for the people of Libya.

Since day one of the crisis in Libya, the corporate media has been in motion, preparing public opinion for war with Libya. Likewise, since the beginning of the crisis, the western, imperialist powers have been maneuvering militarily to take advantage of the situation. Meanwhile, it is clear that the rebels in Libya are not of one mind. Some of their leaders are tied to the old CIA-funded National Front for the Salvation of Libya, which would like to see Libya’s oil industry completely privatized, meaning an end to the current free health care and free education programs enjoyed by the Libyan people. Some are monarchists and others who wish to turn back the clock on Libyan social progress. Undoubtedly, war with Libya will mean the most reactionary forces among the rebels coming to power if Gaddafi’s government is defeated by the guns and bombs of the west. Progressive people in the Middle East and around the world want an independent Libya, not a new puppet government like those that exist under occupied Iraq and Afghanistan.

The patriotic people of Libya will resist this war by any means necessary. We in the Freedom Road Socialist Organization intend to do our part to show them solidarity. This means, first and foremost, firmly standing against U.S. intervention. We will organize and join rallies, demonstrations and other mass actions in the coming days to make sure that it is heard loud and clear: